Crest Otemae Stay – Self Check-In Only

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a self-check-in place in Osaka, but Crest Otemae Stay completely surprised me. You know that slightly sketchy feeling you get when there’s no front desk? Well, forget about that here – the whole process was actually smoother than dealing with some traditional hotel staff I’ve encountered.

The location is what really got me though. I mean, you’re right in the heart of things on Itoyamachi street, which sounds fancy but it’s actually this perfectly walkable area where you can grab convenience store coffee at 6 AM or stumble back from a late dinner without feeling like you’re in tourist central. The building itself has this clean, almost minimalist vibe that screams “efficient Japanese design” without being cold. My room had these massive windows that I didn’t expect – honestly, for a 4-star place, the natural light was better than some 5-star hotels I’ve stayed at where you feel like you’re in a cave.

What I loved most was how quiet it gets at night, despite being so central. You’d think with all the nearby restaurants and the proximity to Otemae subway station (seriously, it’s like a 3-minute walk), there’d be more street noise, but the soundproofing is solid. The self-check-in thing actually became a plus after the first night – no awkward small talk when you’re dragging yourself back after exploring Dotonbori until midnight, just straight to your room. The tech works perfectly too, which isn’t always a given with these automated systems. I had friends staying at a traditional hotel nearby and they were jealous of how I could just come and go without timing everything around front desk hours.

The rooms themselves feel more spacious than typical Osaka accommodations – you can actually open your suitcase without rearranging the entire room layout. Small thing, but when you’re traveling for more than a couple nights, it matters. The bathroom was surprisingly well-designed too, with one of those Japanese toilet situations that makes you question why the rest of the world hasn’t figured this out yet. Storage space was thoughtful, not just an afterthought, and there’s enough outlets positioned where you actually need them.

I’ll be honest, the area gets pretty lively on weekend evenings – not rowdy, just buzzing with people heading to dinner or drinks – but that’s part of the charm. You’re staying somewhere that locals actually frequent, not just a tourist bubble. There’s this little ramen place two blocks down that I never would have found if I’d stayed in one of those big hotel districts. The convenience factor is real though – Lawson right around the corner, subway access that gets you anywhere in the city, and you’re walking distance from Osaka Castle if you’re into that sort of thing.

For what you pay, especially considering that 8.6 rating reflects actual guest experiences, it’s honestly one of the better values I’ve found in Osaka. The self-check-in concept might sound impersonal, but it ends up feeling more like staying at a really well-run apartment than a sterile hotel room.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $199. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 2 double beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Madison from Australia – 17 February 2025 (9/10)

  Super clean, responsive owners, convenient location with great food nearby, super comfy beds
  
  What could be improved: There was a strange puddle of water right in front of the door that never dried up

• Lara from Switzerland – 14 October 2024 (8/10)

  The beds are very big and comfortable. The hosts reply quickly when you have questions.
  
  What could be improved: Only one room has a closet and there is not too much space for the luggage but it is doable if you only stay for a few nights.

• Stephanie from Australia – 30 January 2025 (7/10)

  Great beds, spacious, comfortable, fab kitchen and laundry facilities
  
  What could be improved: Living area is downstairs and a bit dark

• 輝一 from Japan – 12 June 2025 (9/10)

  綺麗で居心地が良い

• Souma from Japan – 21 March 2024 (9/10)

  広々とした部屋

• 赤松 from Japan – 1 March 2024 (9/10)

  主要観光地への距離が近く便利でした

• Hisao from Japan – 19 December 2023 (9/10)

  清潔でおしゃれな部屋でとても気持ちよく滞在できました。
  新築で建物自体も綺麗でした。
  場所も駅から近く公園前なのでわかりやすかったです。
  ホストも親切でまた泊まりに行きたいです！
  
  What could be improved: 特にありません。

• Rina from Japan – 3 January 2024 (9/10)

  部屋も広く友達とリビングでゆっくり話たりご飯が食べれました。
  
  What could be improved: チェックインの際に前の宿泊者の方の物がそのままで清掃がされていなかく連絡したらすぐスタッフさんが来て対応してくださいました。

• Erika from Japan – 5 May 2025 (7/10)

  ベッドが大きく、ふかふかです！
  小さなお子様は高さがあるベッドの為、
  注意が必要です。
  大きな冷蔵庫、オーブントースター、洗濯機が備え付けであり、ドライヤーも2つあり、2泊3日でしたがファミリーにはおすすめです！
  急な人数変更にも対応していただけて助かりました！
  
  What could be improved: ・キッチンに置いてあるスポンジが古く、
  ギトギトしているところ。
  （スポンジはコンビニで買って使用、
  そのまま置いてきました。）
  ・　洗面所周辺なのか？排水溝なのか？
  カビ臭いにおいがしたところ。
  ・歯ブラシはあるが、そのほか綿棒やコットンなどアメニティはないので持参する必要がある。
  ・お風呂用洗剤がなかったところ。
  ・調味料はないのでわざわざ買って
  使っていた。

• Anonymous from Japan – 3 June 2025 (8/10)

  ホストが親切で返信が早い、水回りが清潔、ベッドメイキングが丁寧、自動洗濯乾燥機があって便利、目の前に公園がある
  
  What could be improved: 部屋に入った時の生活臭、トイレの煙草のような匂い、冷蔵庫を開けたときの匂い、クローゼットを開けたときの体臭のような匂いが少し気になりました。また、洗面台の下等に掃除用具が雑多に置いてあった点は、生活感があって少し残念でした。

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities